Disappointment is often viewed negatively, but in this podcast episode, we discuss its transformative power. Drawing from verses such as Romans 8:28-30, we understand that all that we face, including disappointments, are part of God’s sovereign plan. These experiences shape our character, conform us to Christ’s image, and reveal where our true contentment should lie. We are reminded of our spiritual riches in Christ and the importance of not placing our confidence in worldly achievements. By embracing disappointments, we yield to God's will, leading us to repentance and a stronger dependency on Him.

”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.“ - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭

”So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.“ - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—“ - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭

Cindy Sember is a professional track hurdles athlete for Great Britain. Cindy is the national record holder in the 100m hurdles and a 2x Olympian (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).

Her achievements include European indoor Championship Silver and Commonwealth Bronze. Cindy boldly shares her faith online, sharing how faith and fitness can coexist. 

In this episode, Cindy shares how she began her athletics journey and how she grew in her Christian faith.

Cindy also shares how her relationship with God strengthened her through injury. She learnt to surrender all to God and encourages listeners to do the same. CIndy discusses her journey of sharing faith on social media and the challenges she has faced in doing so. Despite some inevitable negativity, Cindy puts glorifying God above the opinions of others.

Cindy reflects upon the encouragement she has taken from the Bible, and the positive role of Christian music on her preparations as an athlete.

”From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry." -Jonah‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

”And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“ - ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬

Steve Jones is the Executive Vice President of FCA's All Ability Sports. Steve also worked as Chief Executive of 360Ability Sport, a UK non-profit organization serving All Ability sport. He was also a chaplain for Ospreys rugby team and then moved into a voluntary chaplaincy role in wheelchair rugby. During the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Steve supported athletes as a chaplain at the games village and continues to chaplain at major international sports events. Steve also coaches goalball, a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes. 

In this episode, Steve shares his journey to faith and experiences as a chaplain and sports coach. 

Steve discusses his approach to chaplaincy emphasising the importance of serving and being a help to athletes. 

Steve also shares insights into his role as a goalball coach, voicing the importance of accessibility in church and sport. 

Steve reminds Christian athletes that God is very interested in their sport. He encourages athletes to see sport as worship and perform for an audience of one.

”For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“ Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬. 

”As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.“ Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭12‬. 

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.“ ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬. 

It's easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Sport at times fuels the fire. 

In this episode, I share how through God's Word we can overcome comparison once and for all.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬- “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."

Romans 8:28-29- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬- “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭30‬- "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.“

Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17-‬ ‭"The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." 

Eugene Amo-Dadzie is a British sprinter. In 2018, at the age of 26, he took up Athletics. In 2019, Eugene competed at the British Championships for the first time and only 4 years later, he won bronze over the 60 metres at the 2023 British Indoor Athletics Championships and over the 100m at the 2023 British Athletics Championships. In 2023 he also clocked 9.93 seconds over the 100m in Graz, Austria going sub 10 seconds for the first time. 

Eugene was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Budapest and reached the semi finals over the 100m. 

Away from the track, Eugene is a chartered accountant and is also known as the world’s fastest accountant. 

In this episode, Eugene shares his inspirational athletics journey and the role of his faith in sport and business. 

Eugene emphasises the power of God’s Word in strengthening athletes through challenges in sport and he shares some of his favourite scriptural swords! 

Eugene encourages listeners to enjoy their God given talents which in turn glorifies Him. He also discusses his  journey of sharing faith and the value of relationships.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬. ‭

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

5 Takeaways from Season One. 

Just an encouragement.

Don't give up.

Get your fight back. 

God is your strength. 

"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which his boundless might provides]." - Ephesians 6:10 AMPC. 

Some athletes take ice baths as a form of recovery. But surely we need a deeper means of recovery too. 

This episode is simply a collection of spoken scriptures, acting as a form of spiritual recovery and biblical meditation. 

As a professional athlete, Alwyn Uys has competed in extreme sports events where he has made history, being the first paraplegic in South Africa to complete the Ironman, and the first paraplegic in the world to swim the Robben Island crossing.

Alwyn is also a public speaker and minister of the Gospel, ministering internationally with his prophetic and healing ministry. Alwyn also has a coffee business, book ‘Unbroken’ and documentary ‘Against All Odds’’, alongside his inspiring and edifying YouTube channel.

In this episode, Alwyn shares his sporting history including his incredible Ironman feat. He describes the physical and mental toil of endurance sport and explains how God put the Ironman challenge on his heart.

Alwyn also discusses his faith and ministry journey, reminding us that our first ministry is our relationship and intimacy with the Lord. Alwyn shares advice and encouragement on growing in spiritual gifting and boldness. He also emphasises the importance of making room for the Holy Spirit and remembering that God still speaks.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

“Their idols are made of silver and gold – they are man-made. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.” Psalms‬ ‭115‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

Josh Chabala is a host on the Evergreen Podcast and a calisthenics athlete. He is a Warwick University graduate in Psychology and Sustainable Development, and was president of Warwick Callisthenics Society from 2019-2021. 

In this episode, Josh shares his faith and fitness journey reflecting on how he considers his training a form of stewardship. 

Josh encourages us to focus on our spiritual fitness as well as our physical fitness, and recognise Christ as our greatest treasure. Josh also discusses the important topics of comparison and gospel literacy. 

“Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬. 

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13